With the time crunch of operating a produce department, it can be tempting to hurry that next order — but it will cost you even more time and money if you don’t take proper inventory first, says columnist Armand Lobato.

To commemorate World Food Safety Day, the Institute of Food Technologists highlighted resources on topics ranging from the Food and Drug Administration’s FSMA 204 to detailed guides on traceability plans.

The company took home recognition for its Hiiros tomatoes, Sweet S’NAPS, bell peppers and cucumbers.

The company also won recognition at the International Taste Institute’s Superior Taste Awards in Belgium for its tomatoes and berries.

The association urges retailers to help consumers understand the differences between recalled field cucumbers and greenhouse-grown cucumbers.

A lively panel at the West Coast Produce Expo looked at the current state of produce retail, consumer trends and future challenges.